Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, inspected the drilling operations of the first development and production well at the West Mena gas field in the Northeast El Amreya area in the Mediterranean Sea.

The field is scheduled to begin initial gas production by the end of this year, adding an estimated 160 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d) of gas and 1,900 barrels of condensate, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR).

The inspection visit took place aboard the drilling vessel STENA IceMAX, following its arrival in Egypt last week to begin implementing Shell’s program and drill four new gas wells in the Mediterranean.

During the tour, Badawi emphasized that Shell’s new investments in gas exploration and development in the Mediterranean reflect the positive outcomes of the ministry’s incentive policies with investment partners, underpinned by commitment, credibility, and mutual benefit.

He noted that 2026 will see the implementation of the largest gas well-drilling program in the Mediterranean, in cooperation with international companies.

For her part, Dalia ElGabry, Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Egypt, confirmed the launch of a new offshore drilling phase in the Mediterranean this year. This campaign aims to accelerate development at the Mina West field while advancing drilling to unlock new gas resources.

She added that the strong return of foreign companies’ investments to the Egyptian petroleum sector reflects the growing confidence of foreign investors, especially Shell, given the strategy of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, led by Karim Badawi.

Shell’s four-well drilling program includes the West Mina-2 and West Mina-1 wells in the Northeast El Amriya area, where Shell operates with a 60% stake in partnership with Kuwait’s KUFPEC, which holds the remaining 40%. The two wells will be tied into the existing production facilities of the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) area.

The program also includes drilling the exploratory Sirius well to evaluate a gas reservoir in shallower waters northeast of El Amriya, followed by the Velox well in the North Cleopatra area within the Herodotus Basin, aiming to open new prospects for gas discoveries in the Mediterranean.

On February 12, Shell announced the commencement of its 2026 Mediterranean drilling campaign following the arrival of the Stena IceMAX drillship. Operated by Stena Drilling, the vessel will execute a multi-well program, starting with the Mina West development wells and the Sirius exploration prospect, followed by the Velox exploration well.